Rebecca Curtis  - Foundation Governor - Chair

My name is Rebecca Curtis.  I grew up in Wotton under Edge and now live in Charfield.  I qualified as a teacher 20 years ago and have spent the last 8 years being a Headteacher in a primary school (with preschool) in Gloucester and a Junior School in Bristol. My teaching and leadership career took place in areas of high deprivation.  I led my most recent school through the COVID 19 lockdown, leaving at the end of 2020 to take up a new role. In 2021 I  moved from headship to working for Ambition Institute,  a charity who design and deliver  high quality professional development to teachers and leaders in schools across the country, with a particular emphasis on closing the attainment gap for children facing disadvantage.  My role with Ambition is a 'Learning Design Fellow' which means I read the latest thinking in education,  cognitive science and behavioural science and apply this resarch to the design of our training.  I also deliver training to schools.   I have designed and delivered  the Expert Middle Leaders training, which helps subject leaders think about curriculum design and the reformed National Professional Qualifications for Leaders; I have delivered Closing the Gap training,  working with a school over a 6 month period to tackle the challenge of closing the 'gaps' left by the COVID 19 pandemic.   

I have also been a Foster carer and have a particular interest in ensuring education supports children who are in care or on the edge of care.

 I have a wealth of knowledge and experience in strategic school leadership and teaching and learning.  These expertise enable me to provide appropriate support and challenge to the senior team at The British School in my role as Chair of Governors. I  see the role of a governor as one which enables you to contribute to your local community through supporting the school to ensure the best outcomes for all children. 

I have 2 step-grandsons who attend the British School and therefore have a personal connection which further strengthens my interest in the success of the school.  

Rebecca can be contacted at chair@british.gloucs.sch.uk and by post at the school address. 

Sue Keen – Foundation Governor

I taught at The British School for 22 years and was Deputy Head for much of that time. I am pleased to continue my association with the School as a Governor and to work with other Governors, School staff and parents to provide the best Education we can for all children.

My particular Governor responsibility is for EYFS. The Early Years Foundation, which covers from birth to the end of the Reception Year, has always been of great interest to me. It sets standards to build on for future Education. Way back in 1993 myself and another teacher presented a business plan to the Governors to start a pre-school unit at The British School. The Kindergarten was then established and has grown into the excellent pre-school it now is. 

I am a member of the Community Committee which aims to promote the school and to participate in local events.  I am involved in organising the Senior Friends events which have proved very popular. 

I enjoy sewing, swimming, walking, travelling, visiting Art Galleries and spending time with my family which now includes five Grandchildren.

Mrs Sarah King - Staff Governor 

Mrs King studied at the University of the West of England, specialising in Early Years. She joined The British School in May 2010 as a Newly Qualified Teacher. Outside school her interests are riding her horse called Billy, spending time with her friends and shopping! She has two young daughters Aimee and Bethany.

Kate Cropper - Parent Governor  - Vice Chair

I have lived in Wotton for 14 years. Both our children attend The British School - one in year 6 and the other in year 4. 

My background is in sales and marketing within the stationary industry, working with brands such as Post-it Notes and Conqueror Paper. I now look after all the admin for 4 local churches (including St. Mary's in Wotton). Being able to multitask is definitely advantage. 

Outside of work, I help coach my daughters rugby team, do the admin for my son's football team and spend time being a taxi service for them. I also quite like jogging, love to read and thoroughly enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Peter Lee - LA Governor

My wife and I moved to Wotton in 1989 with our 18-month-old daughter when I started working as an Engineer for Renishaw.  Despite moving on from Renishaw we have never wanted to leave Wotton.  All our 3 children attended The British School in the 1990s and early 2000’s before going onto KLB.

I joined the British School PTA in the mid-1990s and later joined the board of governors for a few years but left because I was not able to give sufficient time due my job at that time.

I am a Chartered Engineer working in manufacturing, both as an engineer and senior management where my responsibilities included quality, health and safety and the environment.

After 42 years I retired from full time work in the summer of 2021 and wanted to put something back into the community.  I was lucky enough to be able to re-join the schools board of governors in September 2022 with responsibilities for health & safety and maths.

I enjoy walking, cycling, my classic Triumph sports cars (1978 Spitfire and 1981 TR7) and spending time with my family, our first grandchild arrived in January 2022.

Steve Creese - Co-opted Governor 

After Qualifying as an Engineer, I have spent the last 30 years within CAD (Computer Aided Design) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) in a variety of disciplines and Industries. I am the GB PLM & CAD Manager for a Large Aerospace Company and heading up the PLM IT/IS Global Support Team for a new PLM System. 

I am one of the Key Leads for the GB IT/IS/PLM department sitting on the IT Governance Board reporting to IT Director, GB Senior Exec Team and Company Level. 

Myself and my family moved to Wotton-Under-Edge in 2017, and both of our children attend The British School.

Outside of work I enjoy Technology, DIY, Running, Golf and Cycling watching Rugby, football and Formula 1.

Emily Shephard

My wife and I moved to Wotton in 2017 and have two daughters who are/will be in the British School. 

I have worked in a range of sectors, starting out as a pub owner, then moving to retail, higher education and now the Civil Service. I am new to the role of Governor but hope my experience and adaptability can help me to support the school.

In my spare time, I love being with my family, any and all types of sports, running with the local trotters group and going for cake in town. 

Shirley Wyse  - Associate Governor  

I am a retired nurse midwife who has lived in Wotton for over 30 years. I have 3 grown up children and have enjoyed over 10 years of being a governor for the British School.

Health and nutrition are my special interests. The association with the community is very important for the children and we know a lot of people in Wotton to help make these connections, especially with St. Mary's church.

Carrie Watt-Boyd - Associate Governor  

My background is nursing which was my career for 36 years before retiring..and a brief revisit for 3 months as a Covid vaccinator during 2021. Both my daughter and son attended The British school during the ‘90s and during that time I was a member of the PTA and helped set up the Kindergarten. Once they moved to secondary school, I was also a PTA member and a governor for 6 years at KLB. You may recognise my name as I have previously been a Governor and Chair of Governors until the end of my term in September 2021. After a break I missed my involvement with the school and have been invited to become a associate Governor again. The school is a vibrant place and I am glad to be back. My hobbies include crafts, gardening, caravanning and I am one of the ‘Angels’ quiz team at the Star Inn.